Why Some People Drain You and Others Heal You: Chanakya’s Laws of Energy
Manika | Jul 13, 2025, 19:00 IST
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Highlight of the story: A while ago, I noticed something strange. I’d meet certain people and feel exhausted after a 10-minute chat. Others? I’d leave the conversation lighter, inspired; more me. I started wondering, is it just personality differences? Or is there something deeper? That’s when I stumbled upon Chanakya Niti and suddenly, the emotional patterns made sense. Chanakya, the sharpest mind of ancient India, didn’t just study politics he studied people. And his teachings are a mirror to the energy dynamics we navigate even today. This article is for anyone who’s felt drained, overwhelmed or emotionally hijacked and wants to reclaim their peace.
Energy Is Real; Even When You Can’t See It
Energy
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Ever walked into a room and felt tension without a word being said? That’s energy.
Modern science calls it emotional contagion. Ancient India called it prabhav—the subtle effect people have on each other.
Chanakya understood this deeply. In Chanakya Niti, he warned:
Because energy isn’t about what people say.
It’s about how you feel after they leave.
Why Some People Leave You Drained
You’ll find yourself solving their problems more than living your own life.
They Compete, Not Connect These are people who always one-up your story, your joy, even your pain.
They don’t listen to understand they listen to reply.
They Gossip Chanakya said:
This isn’t just ethically wrong it mentally pollutes your peace.
They Make You Feel Guilty for Resting They glorify burnout. And worse, they make you question your own boundaries.
The Healers: People Who Recharge You
They Ask How You Are—And Mean It Even 5 minutes with them feels warm, safe, grounding.
They Listen Without Interrupting In a world obsessed with talking, they gift you silence.
And in that silence, you find clarity.
They Respect Your Energy They don’t text you just for gossip, or expect replies at 1 AM.
They honor your boundaries.
They Inspire Without Preaching You leave them not drained—but elevated.
Energy Is Contagious; Protect Yours Like Your Phone Battery
people sharing energy
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Would you give your phone to someone who always drains it?
Then why treat your emotional battery any different?
Chanakya believed sangati (company) decides your vrutti (mental state).
Surround yourself with takers, and you become anxious.
Surround yourself with lifters, and you rise—naturally.
Signs You’re Around an Energy Vampire
You rehearse conversations with them before meeting.
You feel guilty setting boundaries.
You question your worth more often after being around them.
You dread their texts but feel too afraid to ignore them.
Chanakya’s advice?
How to Protect Your Energy Chanakya Style
Chanakya
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Distance Without Drama Not every goodbye needs an announcement. Slowly reduce contact. Energy speaks louder than explanations.
Choose Solitude Over Toxic Company Chanakya said:
Set Invisible Boundaries Not all fences need to be seen. Shorter replies. Delayed responses. Fewer reactions.
Find Your Tribe of Elevators Spend time with people who speak of ideas, not individuals.
Who ask about your books, dreams, and growth—not your past, drama, or mistakes.
What This Teaches You Spiritually
And tolerate what you don’t heal.
Your energy field—your aura—is shaped by your company.
The Gita says:
Chanakya simply made that practical.
Not everyone deserves front-row access to your energy.
Some people belong in your audience—not your inner circle.
And when you finally understand that, your peace returns like a long-lost friend.
So if you feel drained after certain people, don’t ignore it.
Your energy is a compass. Trust where it’s pointing.
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